Sidelobes reduction using simple two and tri-stages non linear frequency modulation (NLFM)

Abstract

The Linear Frequency Modulation (LFM) waveform is the most commonly and extensively used signal in practical radar system. However a compressed LFM signal at the receiver will produce the first sidelobe at a level of -13dB to the peak of the main lobe. A weighting function is needed to apply in order to reduce the sidelobes. However, the penalty of mismatch loss is clearly evident. It may reduce output SNR, typically by 1 to 2dB. Every single dB of additional SNR can have great effects in reducing false alarm rates in target detection applications. In an effort to achieve low autocorrelation sidelobe level without applying weighting function, Non-Linear Frequency Modulation (NLFM) signal has been investigated. This paper describes the sidelobe reduction techniques using simple two-stage FM waveform, modified two-stage FM waveform and tri-stage FM waveform. Simulation results of the proposed NLFM signal are presented. Sidelobe reduction of more than -19dB can be achieved by this design without any weighting technique applied.